When to arrive

Arriving in Leeds in good time is important to help you have a good welcome experience and make a successful start at the University of Leeds.

 

Taught students arriving in Autumn

If you are arriving after 29 September, please visit our delayed arrivals page for support and information.   

Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) arrivals

If you are a new postgraduate researcher, you should arrive in Leeds before the start of your programme. You will be able to arrive up to a month before the start date of your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), depending on the length of your research programme and when you have obtained your student visa.

You should have received pre-arrival information from your Graduate School, with information about preparing for your arrival in Leeds and your induction. You can find information such as the PGR Induction Checklist and the Doctoral College Induction Programme in our starting your research webpages,

Find out about PGR International Orientation, explore the resources and check out what’s happening on campus.

If you are not able to arrive in Leeds before the start of your programme, you must contact your Graduate School to discuss your options.

If you are on a distance learning, split site or dual award programme, there may be alternative arrangements for your time in Leeds though you are normally still expected to be in Leeds for the start of your programme. You should check with your Graduate School.

If you need a visa to study in the UK, you will need to do a right to study check each time you arrive in Leeds. You can find more information on the Visiting Leeds page.

Students arriving in January

The University will be closed for the winter holidays from Tuesday 24 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025. 

If you’re a new student or postgraduate researcher joining us in Leeds in January, get in touch with the relevant team responsible for your programme for dates on when to arrive on campus.  

• Postgraduate researchers: email the Doctoral College 
• Incoming exchange students – email the Incoming Study Abroad team 
• Students on a pre-sessional language course – email the Language Centre 

Arriving in the recommended arrival dates will ensure you’re in Leeds in time to attend International Orientation. As part of International Orientation you’ll be able to join information sessions, online webinars and exciting social activities to help you make a successful start in Leeds. 

It’ll also ensure you’re in Leeds in time to attend your school induction.  

Important advice before you arrange transport to Leeds

Your visa

Don’t book your flight until you’ve received your visa. You can only travel to the UK after the date shown on your visa vignette or within the validity period of your eVisa. If you travel to the UK before the start date of your Student visa, your visa will not be activated and you may be required to leave and re-enter the UK in order to have the correct immigration status. If the ‘valid to’ date on your visa vignette has expired because you have delayed travel to the UK, you’ll need to apply for a replacement vignette before you can travel. 

Your accommodation start date

Check when you can move into your accommodation and don’t plan to arrive before the start of your accommodation contract.

If you arrive before the start of your accommodation contract, you’ll be responsible for finding somewhere to live until you can move into your accommodation, and cover any additional costs associated with this.

International Orientation Support and Resources

Make sure you access our orientation support before and after you arrive by visiting our orientation resources webpages.

School/Research induction sessions 

In addition to using your International Orientation resources and support, make sure you take part in the induction sessions planned by your School. Your School will contact you directly with more information on this, so don’t forget to check your email regularly. 

If you want to find out more about your School induction, please contact your School directly.

If you’re a postgraduate researcher, check the start your research pages for useful induction resources. 

Airport pick-up service

To help you have a smooth journey, the University of Leeds can arrange transport from Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester Airport for new students who are arriving in Leeds for the first time. Find out more about how to book your arrival support. 

If your arrival is delayed 

If your journey is delayed, find out who to contact to get help and make sure you know who to notify about your delayed arrival so you can be supported.